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Parent Handbook 2010/2011

Princess Margaret Junior School

65 Tromley Drive, Etobicoke, ON M9B 5Y7 Tel: 416-394-6350 Fax: 416-394-6355

Reporting Student Absence: 416-394-6359

PLEASE KEEP AS A REFERENCE TOOL FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR

Important Contact Numbers School Office / Principal – Carter Logan 416-394-6350 Acting Principal – Margaret Lunnie 416-394-6350 Reporting Student Absence 416-394-6359 Superintendent – Susan Winter 416-394-2038 School Trustee – John Campbell 416-397-3106 Toronto District School Board 416-397-3000 Transportation Department (Buses) 416-394-7381

Emergency Numbers Ambulance, Fire, Police Emergency 911 Ambulance (non-emergency) 416-638-7301 Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000 Poison Control Centre 416-813-5900 Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 Parent’s Help Line 1-800-603-9100

Local Community Resources City of Toronto Parks and Recreation 416-394-8510 Centennial Park – Information 416-394-8750 Eatonville Library, 430 Burnhamthorpe Rd. 416-394-5270 Centennial Arena, 56 Centennial Park Rd. 416-394-8757 Martin Grove Rink, 400 Martin Grove Rd. 416-394-8754 Etobicoke Olympium, 590 Rathburn Rd. 416-394-8111 West Deane Outdoor Pool, 19 Sedgebrook Dr. 416-394-8497

Table of Contents Item Page

School Calendar..................................................................................4 NEW: 5-Day Calendar Cycle...........................................................5 Professional Activity Days .................................................................5 Princess Margaret Staff.......................................................................6 REVISED School Hours...................................................................7 Code of Conduct .................................................................................8 School Council..................................................................................11 Volunteering .....................................................................................12 Visitor Sign-In ..................................................................................12 Reporting Student Absence ..............................................................13 Late Arrival.......................................................................................13 Illness during School ........................................................................13 Pick-Up / Early or Late Pick-Up ......................................................14 Parking / Kiss and Ride Zone ...........................................................15 School Bus Transportation/Rules .....................................................16 Bicycles.............................................................................................17 Crossing Guard .................................................................................17 Peanut and Nut-Free School .............................................................18 Medication at School ........................................................................19 Lunch ................................................................................................20 Library ..............................................................................................21 Physical Education (Gym) Program .................................................22 Daily Physical Activity.....................................................................22 Playground Rules..............................................................................23 Extracurricular Activities..................................................................24 Lost & Found....................................................................................24 Emergency Procedures .....................................................................25 Princess Margaret Mission/Goals/Initiatives ....................................26 Special Education .............................................................................28 Before and After School Program ....................................................28 Daycare Programs.............................................................................29 Middle School...................................................................................29 French Immersion .............................................................................29 Student Agendas ...............................................................................30 The Princess Margaret Royal Press ..................................................30 Thursday Mailing Envelope .............................................................30 Bulletin Board...................................................................................30 Map of Princess Margaret Junior School..........................................31

2010/2011 School Calendar September Tues., Sept. 7 First Day of School for Students Tues., Sept. 28 School Council Meeting, 6:30 pm (Council Election Takes Place) October Mon., Oct. 11 Thanksgiving Day – School Closed Tues., Oct. 19 School Council Meeting, 6:30 pm November Thurs., Nov. 11 Remembrance Day Assembly Tues., Nov. 16 School Council Meeting, 6:30 pm Fri., Nov. 19 P.A. Day – No Classes December Fri., Dec. 17 Last Day of School before Holidays Mon., Dec. 20 to Fri., Dec. 31 Winter Break – School Closed January Mon., Jan. 3 First Day of New Term Tues., Jan. 18 School Council Meeting, 6:30 pm Fri., Jan. 21 P.A. Day – No Classes February Tues., Feb. 15 School Council Meeting, 6:30 pm Fri., Feb. 18 P.A. Day – No Classes Mon., Feb. 21 Family Day – School Closed March Mon., Mar. 14 to Fri., Mar. 18 March Break – School Closed

School Calendar Continued… April Tues., Apr. 19 School Council Meeting, 6:30 pm Fri., Apr. 22 Good Friday – School Closed Mon., Apr. 25 Easter Monday – School Closed May Tues., May 17 School Council Meeting, 6:30 pm (Final Meeting) Fri., May 20 P.A. Day – No Classes Mon., May 23 Victoria Day – School Closed June Wed., Jun. 29 Last Day of School for Students Thurs., Jun. 30 P.A. Day – No Classes

NEW: 5-Day Calendar Cycle

This year, Princess Margaret will be implementing a new 5-day schedule. This widely-used system helps to eliminate missed library or gym days due to statutory holidays or P.A. days.

For example, the first day of school, Tuesday, Sept. 7 is Day 1, Wednesday is Day 2, Thursday is Day 3, Friday is Day 4, Monday is Day 5, Tuesday is Day 1, and so on. This will continue until there is a holiday which will not have an assigned Day. The cycle will resume on the next school day. A copy of the new 5-day calendar can be found on page 2 of your child's agenda.

Professional Activity Days Professional activity days (P.A. days) allow teachers to attend professional development sessions where they are engaged in professional learning either at school or in a conference setting. Your child will not attend school on these designated days.

2010/2011 Princess Margaret Junior School Staff Principal – Carter Logan

Acting Principal – Margaret Lunnie Office Administrator – Susan Szacki

Caretakers – Joseph Sammut, Barb Rivers

Grade Room Teacher JK/SK 2 Suzanne Petillot JK/SK 1 Saleema Hosein (p.m.) JK/SK 4 Lesley McPhail Grade 1 12 Fiona Oland Grade 1 16 Debra MacLeod Grade 1 13 Jennifer McEvoy Grade 2 14 Cary Franklin Grade 2 15 Grace Han Grade 2 11 Diana Bojeczko (LTO) Grade 3 20 Jennifer Cameron/ Michael Azzopardi Grade 3 8 Lynn Tomlinson Grade 4 6 Sarah Harwood Grade 4/5 9 Ward Noble Grade 5 10 Steve Kooy Grade 5 5 Ali Higgins Music 19 April Kassirer French 7 Kristina Landsmann MID 7 Kelly Brehaut HSP 3 Brenda Gray (a.m.) Phys. Ed. Gym Brenda Gray (p.m.) HSP/MART 3 Deanna Cape Resource Teacher Carol Shepherd (a.m.) Library 17 Gwen McAllister LTO: Long Term Occasional MID: Mildly Intellectually Delayed HSP: Home School Program MART: Methods and Resource Teacher

Other Staff Special Needs Assistants Educational Assistants Kay Carvallo Kim Evans Barbara Collings (a.m.) Marlene Lee (JK/SK a.m.) Thomas McAffee Sue Lewis Kamnie Singh Rose Madeira Lunchroom Supervisors Kim Evans Nancy Trendoff Virginia Varden

School Hours (REVISED) Morning Yard & Bus Duty 8:35 a.m.

Entry Bell 8:45 a.m.

School Begins 8:50 a.m.

Morning Recess 10:00 – 10:15 a.m.

Kindergarten Dismissal 11:20 a.m.

Grade Dismissal 11:35 a.m.

Entry Bell (NEW) 12:35 p.m.

Grade School Begins 12:40 p.m.

Kindergarten Begins 12:55 p.m.

Afternoon Recess (NEW) 1:55 – 2:10 p.m.

School Dismissal 3:25 p.m.

After School Bus Duty 3:25 – 3:40 p.m.

Code of Conduct

At Princess Margaret Junior School, all students have the right to learn and to reach their full potential in a positive environment. This is achieved when everyone practices Caring, Courtesy, Co-operation and Common Sense. We believe that everyone should be treated with Respect. We are all Responsible for what we say and do, both at school, and while we are representing the school in the community. We will support each other to keep our school a safe and happy place.

The following Code of Conduct has been developed by students, staff and parents to reflect new provincial standards. Acceptable Conduct Students at Princess Margaret Junior School follow the KNIGHTS code:

K Kindness - Show concern about the feelings of others - Help someone who is in need - Do things that make people happy

N Nature - Take care of the environment - Keep our school and playground clean - Recycle, pack a litterless lunch, and walk to school as

much as possible

I Integrity - Be responsible for your actions - Show that you are dependable and trustworthy

G Grades and Growth - Always do your best work - Aim to reach the goals you set

Code of Conduct Continued... H Honesty

- Be fair and truthful - Realize we all make mistakes but must own up to them

T Tolerance - Respect the rights of all persons - Do not exclude someone because he/she is different

S Safety and Self-Control - Behave and play without harming or threatening others - Do not lose control when angry or upset

Unacceptable Conduct The following behaviours are deemed unacceptable. This list includes several examples of unacceptable behaviours and is not intended to be all inclusive: Behaviours that: - Interfere with the learning of others

‐ Interfere with an orderly environment ‐ Create unsafe conditions

Acts of: - Bullying or threats ‐ Physical violence ‐ Retribution against a person who has

reported incidents

Illegal acts, such as: - Theft of or damage to property ‐ Possession, use or distribution of

illegal or restricted substances ‐ Possession or use of weapons

Any conduct that negatively impacts upon the school learning environment may be subject to discipline. Whether or not that conduct occurs on school grounds may still be the subject of discipline under school and school board policies.

Rising Expectations As students become older and move through successive grades, it is expected that they have increasing personal responsibility and self discipline. This may require consequences to increase as student expectations rise. It is also expected that there will be increasing consequences for inappropriate behaviour when any inappropriate behaviour is repeated. Consequences The staff at Princess Margaret Junior School will continue to ensure that positive behaviour is given recognition. Students will also know when they have chosen behaviour that is unacceptable. Our goal is to help students see that they are responsible for their own behaviour. The choice for co-operative, positive behaviour is with each student as they strive to meet or exceed expectations with their social responsibility. Minor Offences Staff members will handle minor offences “on the spot”. Students will know that they exercised poor judgement in that particular instance and they will know what is expected from them in the future. Parents will not necessarily be contacted for minor offences unless a pattern of repeated offences occurs. Major Offences Major offences are those behaviours which threaten the orderly function of the school or are threatening to the well-being of others. These usually include open defiance, physical or mental abuse of others, or continuous disruptive behaviour. Major offences will be handled by a formal process. In such situations, open communication will be by the teacher and/or school administration, with the parents, and the student. A plan of action will be decided upon, discussed by all parties concerned, and acted upon. The consequences for major offences will be decided for each individual case. Restoring or replacing a vandalized article may be required.

School Council What is it? The Ministry of Education defines the purpose of a School Council to be: “…through the active participation of parents, to improve pupil achievement and enhance the accountability of the education system to parents.” The School Council plays an important role in: • Providing a link to teachers and staff;

• Raising funds to enhance the learning environment of our school; and

• Creating a forum to exchange ideas and concerns and to learn more about the policies and programs of our school and the Toronto District School Board.

Who can be part of it? The Princess Margaret School Council (PMSC) is open to all parents and guardians of Princess Margaret Junior School students and members of the school staff. The principal attends all meetings, as do teacher representatives. Those who attend the first meeting of the school year can participate in electing that year’s executive, which generally includes a chair or co-chairs, treasurer, secretary and committee chairs. When do we meet? The School Council generally meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the staff room. Meetings last about one hour and a half. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend any meeting, and to bring forward questions, concerns and ideas to the executive at any time. Please contact the school office at 416-394-6350 to obtain the names of this year’s executive, as they will be elected at the first meeting in September (see Calendar on page 4), after the printing of this handbook.

Volunteering Our volunteers play a major role in enhancing school life at Princess Margaret. They contribute to the strong sense of community within our school. Volunteering can be done on an ongoing or occasional basis depending on the time you have available. Whatever you choose to do, your time and effort will be appreciated. For the safety and protection of all our children, the Toronto District School Board requires anyone who could establish a relationship with a child to have a Police Reference Check performed. If you are considering volunteering, and we hope you will, we encourage you to fill out a Police Reference Check Form as soon as possible at the school, as they take months to process. If you have any questions concerning this policy, please contact the school office. Sometimes school activities require volunteers in the classroom to help with special projects, reading, math, crafts, and special presentations. Volunteers are also needed on field trips, in the library, and special events. If you would like to help out, please speak to one of our staff. The School Council also needs volunteers to help with Pizza and Toonie Days and other school fundraising events.

Visitor Sign-In In order to ensure our children’s safety, Princess Margaret staff needs to be aware of all volunteers and visitors. When you arrive at the school, please drop by the office to sign in and obtain a badge.

Reporting Student Absence

If your child is going to be absent, a parent or other adult should notify the school before 8:50 am or 12:40 pm. Please call the school at 416-394-6359 or fax at 416-394-6355 with the following information: The date, your name, your child’s name, your child’s room number and teacher’s name, the expected length of absence and reason for absence. It is also important that you inform the school if your child has any communicable condition (i.e. chicken pox, pinkeye, etc.). If you know in advance that your child will be absent, please forward a note to your child’s teacher. If your child has not arrived at school and you have not informed the school of your child’s absence, the office staff will make every effort to investigate the whereabouts of your child and will also attempt to contact parents. Please ensure that you give the school your current emergency contact numbers. Following the above procedure will save office staff valuable time and ensure the safe arrival of your child.

Late Arrival

Students who arrive after the teacher has taken attendance must go to the office to obtain an “Admit to Class” slip to give to their teacher. Please help your child be responsible for arriving on time and for being prepared for the activities of the day. For the safety of our children, the school doors will be locked at 8:50 am. Students arriving after 8:50 am should use the Main Front Door, and check in at the office.

Illness during School

When a student feels ill or appears unwell to the teacher, the student is to report to the school office. The school contacts the parent or other designated emergency contact in the student’s file to advise of the student’s illness.

Pick-Up If someone other than the usual person is to pick up your child at any time, please contact the school by telephone or give the school or the teacher written notice. Parents or guardians should wait outside the school near the exit doors during arrival and dismissal times.

Early Pick-Up If it is necessary to pick up your child from school earlier than dismissal times, this must be done through the office. Children are NOT to be removed from the class or the playground. This rule must be followed to ensure proper supervision. Send a note with your child to advise the teacher they will be leaving early.

Late Pick-Up Please inform the office if you will be late picking up your child. Phone calls to the school concerning pick-up arrangements should be avoided except in the case of an emergency. This helps avoid classroom disruption. Instruct your child if you are not there immediately at pick-up times or if he/she ever is in doubt as to who is picking him/her up, to go to the school office. Delays do occur and children need to have a safe alternative plan. It is important that you and your child(ren) decide on a consistent meeting place. Stress with your child(ren) that if you are not at this designated meeting place, they are to return to the school office and inform the secretary.

Parking / Kiss and Ride Zone There are several parking spaces in the school lot located on the south side of the school. Parking is also permitted in designated areas on Tromley Drive, Winterton Drive, Winsland Drive and Princess of Wales Court. Refer to the school map on page 31. When using the school parking lot: 1. Please park only in the designated parking spaces. 2. Please hold your child’s hand. Your child should never walk

behind you and must never walk alone. 3. Please obey the 5 km speed limit. 4. No child is to be in any part of the parking lot unless

escorted by an adult. 5. Please do not stop in the laneway to drop off your child.

Proceed to a designated parking space. When using the Kiss and Ride Zone: 1. Drivers should not leave their vehicles unattended. 2. Children should be dropped off from the passenger side of

the car only. 3. Do not turn around in any driveway or on the street. 4. Do not block the bus loading zone. 5. Please watch for students at all times. To ensure safety, there is no stopping and no parking in the Bus Loading Zone. A safe school is a shared responsibility. Please use caution when dropping off or picking up your child.

School Bus Transportation Your children are eligible for bus transportation if the distance from your home to Princess Margaret Junior School is greater than one mile (1.6 km). Transportation is not available for optional attendance. Please contact the school at 416-394-6350 if your child will not be on the bus.

School Bus Rules The bus drivers are well trained and work with staff to ensure each child’s safety. They need your help to ensure the Board’s safety standards are maintained. Make certain that your child knows and understands the following rules:

• Obey the driver’s instructions. • Remain seated. • No eating or drinking on the bus. • Keep your hands and feet to yourself. • Keep the aisle clear. • No singing or undue noise. • Do not throw anything out of the window. • Report any damage to the bus driver.

Please also make sure that your child behaves politely to other people at bus stops and waits a safe distance from the road until the bus has come to a complete stop. If these rules are not followed, the driver or the school will take the following actions: • Students are warned by the driver; • If no improvement, the driver reports the incident to the

principal; • If no improvement, the principal notifies the parent or

guardian by letter and parental assistance is requested; • If no improvement, the principal suspends bus riding

privileges; •

Telephone and written notification to parent or guardian, the Transportation Supervisor and Superintendent of Schools follows; and

• In the case of a serious incident, suspension of bus riding privileges can occur immediately.

Note: A student will never be “put off” the bus between the school and his bus stop. The only person with the authority to deny bus services is the principal. Parents must discuss with their children procedures to be followed if they should ever miss the bus.

Bicycles Police tell us that children who are under 9 years of age are too young to bicycle, unsupervised, to school. There are bicycle racks for the children to use. Students must walk their bicycles to and from the bicycle racks. Students must stay away from the bicycle racks while playing games. Bicycles should be locked since the school cannot protect them from theft or vandalism. It is advisable to complete Bicycle Registration forms available from the police station.

Crossing Guard A crossing guard is on duty at the intersection of Lloyd Manor Road and Princess Margaret Blvd. Please teach your children to cross with the guard.

Peanut and Nut-Free School On January, 1 2006, Bill 3 (now known as the Sabrina Law) came into effect. This law requires all publicly-funded Ontario schools to provide as safe as possible school environment to students with life-threatening allergies. Princess Margaret is striving to be a peanut and nut-free school. Peanut and nut allergies are the most common life-threatening food allergies in children. The only treatment for these severe allergies is complete avoidance of the offending foods. What is Anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can lead to loss of consciousness and death. Most peanut/nut allergies are considered potentially anaphylactic. Even a mild allergy can cause anaphylaxis and even very small amounts of peanuts/nuts can cause serious reaction. Immediate medical help is necessary if a reaction occurs. Those at risk should carry injectable epinephrine (EpiPen) and wear a MedicAlert bracelet. To ensure the safety of all children, follow these guidelines: • Do not send peanut and/or nut products to school. • If your child has peanut products for breakfast or lunch,

please make sure they wash their hands and brush their teeth before leaving for school.

• Allergic children should not share foods/drinks, utensils and containers.

• Allergic children should bring their own food and snacks. • Thoroughly clean any item or toy that may have come into

contact with peanut butter. • Foods brought to school should have ingredient labels. • When sending food for the entire classroom, please read the

label and ensure that the product is peanut/nut free and does NOT say, “May contain traces of nuts or peanuts”.

READ LABELS CAREFULLY! 1. Check the list of ingredients for mention of peanuts or nuts. 2. The statement, “May contain traces of peanuts or nuts”

means this product is not safe. 3. Look for the statements, “Does not contain any trace of

peanuts or nuts” or “Processed in a nut-free facility”. Although some foods may appear to be safe, foods such as cake, icing, candy, raisins, granola bars, cookies, donuts, crackers and potato chips may contain traces of peanuts and/or nuts. Princess Margaret Anaphylaxis Committee This committee brings parents and school staff together to inform and help ensure a peanut and nut-free environment. For more information, or if you would like to be part of this committee, please e-mail [email protected]. Committee Chair: Deb Kerr

Medication at School If a student requires prescribed medication during school hours, the principal or designate may assist the student only when: • Signed parental authorization is provided. • Directions from the physician are submitted on a form

provided by the school. The doctor’s signature is required. • Only ONE DAY’S DOSAGE of medication shall be

brought to the school at a time. • Medication must be carried in a properly labelled container. • Safe storage of medication within the school is essential and

pupils are required to use the school office for this purpose. Other members of school staff are not allowed to administer medication or perform medical procedures, except in the case of EpiPens (see page 18).

Lunch Children staying for lunch are expected to eat in the lunch area and remain on school property. Students are provided 20-25 minutes to eat lunch. In bad weather, students remaining at school will stay inside during the entire lunch break. Please label all lunch boxes/bags and containers with your child’s name. The lunch area is supervised by three lunchroom supervisors who help maintain a safe and orderly atmosphere. A lunch permission form will be sent home early in the school year and should be signed and forwarded back to the school as soon as possible. It is important that lunch information be kept on file so that the school is aware of where each student generally is expected to be during lunch on an ongoing basis. Milk Sales Chocolate milk is available to students staying for lunch. Students are encouraged to purchase 10 milk tickets at a time at a cost of $6.00. The use of tickets reduces the “lost quarter syndrome” and frees up lunchroom attendants to provide closer supervision during the lunch hour. Single cartons are available for 70 cents. Cost for Milk Per Ticket $0.70 1 Sheet of 10 tickets $6.00 Cheques should be made out to Princess Margaret Junior School. Lunch Programs Each month, School Council organizes special lunches such as Hot Lunch Wednesday, Toonie Thursday and Pizza Friday. Any flyers or applicable order forms will be sent home prior to the scheduled lunch day. Profits raised from these programs go directly to the school.

Litterless Lunches The Princess Margaret “Boomerang” lunch initiative urges staff and students to use containers that can be brought home and reused. Please aim to pack a lunch that produces no garbage. PLEASE REMEMBER…Princess Margaret is a peanut and nut-free school. For the safety of all our students, please do not send peanut/nut products to school with your child.

Library

The Princess Margaret Library is an important part of our learning environment. Students can borrow a variety of resources such as magazines, fiction, non-fiction, audio books and graphic novels. The amount of books a student may borrow at one time depends on his/her grade level: Kindergarten – 1 book Primary Students – up to 3 books Junior Students – up to 4 books The teacher-librarian and classroom teachers plan and work together to help students develop research and information literacy skills appropriate for their level. Computer Lab In addition to classroom computers, there is a growing Computer Lab in the Library. As well as twice weekly scheduled classes, there will be opportunities for students to use the lab at other times for special projects or assignments. At the beginning of each school year, a copy of the TDSB Online Code of Conduct is sent home for parents and students to read and sign. To view these rules, go to www.tdsb.on.ca.

Physical Education (Gym) Program Every student must wear appropriate clothing and footwear on days that they are to have Physical Education. Running shoes must have non-marking soles and clothing should allow for easy movement and not be too tight or too loose. During the month when the gymnastics equipment is set up, usually mid to late winter, students must wear short-sleeved shirts, shorts and must be in bare feet in order to participate. No jewellery is permitted during this time and long hair must be tied back. Please help your child come to school prepared for gym classes. Students may be using the playground during some gym classes.

Daily Physical Activity All students in Ontario are required to engage in a period of sustained physical activity for a period of 20 minutes a day. This time has been mandated as part of the instructional day and is not part of recess or lunch time. The activity can be 20 minutes of walking or running, games where everyone is vigorously participating, or other activities in the classroom designed to increase breathing and heart rate. If a class has a scheduled gym period, it may opt not to participate in the daily physical activity for that day. Students with disabilities are still expected to participate, but may have the activities modified appropriately. Please ensure that your child has the proper shoes to participate in daily physical activity every day.

Playground Rules Princess Margaret has two playground areas: a kindergarten playground located on the north side of the building just outside the kindergarten classrooms, and a junior playground located on the west side of the field (see school map on page 31). To ensure the playground is a safe area for all children, students must follow the playground rules established by the school. Fighting and tackling games, skateboards, roller blades or skates, hard balls and bats are not permitted. Please remember to label play equipment brought from home. Students use the playground during recess and some physical education classes. During non-school hours, community members may use it. The following rules apply at all times while on the play structures:

• No food, skipping ropes or other toys on the equipment.

• No jumping down onto the ground or any part of the playground.

• Go down the slides on your bottom, feet first and head up (never head first).

• Only one person at a time on the slide. • Do not somersault or turn on the bars at the entrance to

the slides, use the chinning bar. • Gravel stays on the ground inside the wooden barrier and

is NEVER placed on any part of the equipment. Do not run, chase or play tag in, on, or around equipment. Please use the field for these games.

Extracurricular Activities Most activities take place during recess and during the lunch break. Students should listen to the morning announcements, which invite them to participate in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities have included: Primary Choir Sticker Club Junior Music Club Cross Country Running Track & Field Soccer Softball Folk Dance Volleyball Bilingual Book Club Needlework Club Environmental Club

Lost & Found Please label everything that your child brings to school with your child’s name and room number. Label items using either their first name and last initial (John S.), or their last name (J. Smith). For your child’s protection, please do not use both their first and last names (John Smith). Backpacks should be labelled on the inside, not the outside. Labelled items that go missing are much easier to find and more likely to be returned to their rightful owners. Valuables and sentimental items should not be brought to school. The school cannot assume responsibility for any losses. A table of lost and found articles is in the main hallway beside the recess entry doors. For security, glasses and jewellery are kept in the office. If unclaimed, these articles will be donated to a charitable organization. Please encourage your child(ren) to check the Lost and Found on a regular basis.

Emergency Procedures Fire Drills Fire drills occur six times during the school year. During a drill, students learn to exit the school in a safe, orderly manner. When the fire alarm sounds, teachers escort all students out of the school (rain, shine or snow) through the nearest fire exit. To ensure their safety, staff, teachers, students, volunteers and any visitors to the school should evacuate the school building immediately and are not permitted to return for any reason until the fire drill is complete. Therefore, shoes must be worn at all times when in the building. Lockdowns A lockdown is an emergency situation which prevents the evacuation of a school building. During a lockdown, certain steps must be taken to isolate students and staff from danger by requiring everyone to remain inside the building. When a “CODE ZERO” is announced on the P.A. system, one of the following procedures will be announced: Lockdown – High-level threat INSIDE the school Hold and Secure – Some threat OUTSIDE the school Shelter in Place – Some environmental danger in the community For complete details about these procedures, please visit or contact the main office.

Princess Margaret Mission/Goals/Initiatives Mission Statement Princess Margaret Junior School strives to ensure equal opportunity for all our students to grow in an enriching, safe and caring environment committed to academic, physical and social excellence. In partnership with our parents and local community, we instil in our students a desire to become lifelong learners who think independently, develop moral character, achieve academic excellence, and demonstrate respect for themselves, others and the environment. Our Goals Each student will: • Develop character traits that promote moral intelligence and

respect at school, home, and in our community; • Work to achieve personal success, physical well-being, and

a healthy lifestyle; • Develop an active interest and role in protecting and

enhancing our local and greater environment. Character Building Initiatives & Activities Our school has adopted the principles outlined below in an effort to build moral character within all of our students. This school-wide initiative is communicated throughout the school in a number of ways including school newsletters, announcements and assemblies. Moral intelligence is the capacity to understand right from wrong; it means having strong ethical convictions and to act on them so that one behaves in the right and honourable way. It consists of seven essential virtues (see page 27). The book “Building Moral Intelligence” by Dr. Michele Borba provides the complete step-by-step plan for teaching children these critical virtues they’ll need to do what is right and resist any pressures that may defy the habits of good character.

We invite parents/guardians to become involved and support this initiative at home. Copies of the book are available at the office. The Seven Essential Virtues: EMPATHY – Identifying with and feeling other people’s concerns. CONSCIENCE – Knowing the right and decent way to act and acting in that way. SELF-CONTROL – Regulating your thoughts and actions so that you stop any pressures from within and act the way you know and feel is right. RESPECT – Showing you value others by treating them in a courteous and considerate way. KINDNESS – Demonstrating concern about the welfare and feelings of others. TOLERANCE – Respecting the dignity and rights of all persons, even those beliefs and behaviours we may disagree with. FAIRNESS – Choosing to be open-minded and to act in a just and fair way. Each month, the school will hold an assembly to witness and celebrate students exhibiting the characteristics, values and achievements related to that month’s particular virtue.

Special Education Any student experiencing learning difficulties can be referred to the School Support Team (SST). The principal, the classroom teacher, the Methods and Resource Teacher (MART), a psycho-educational consultant from the Board, the school’s social worker and a speech and language pathologist make up the team. The team meets on a monthly basis to offer support for the teacher and students. The parents of any child brought forward for discussion at an SST meeting are contacted and invited to attend these meetings. During these meetings, a further course of action may be recommended to identify student needs or to offer remediation. If a parent has a concern, he or she should speak to the teacher.

Before and After School Program A non-profit organization licensed under the Day Nurseries Act, this school-age child care program is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors consisting of parents, community members and a school administration representative and employs five full-time professional Early Childhood Educators. The purpose of the program is to provide a safe and stimulating environment for a child throughout the school year, before and after school, and also on P.A. days. The program leases space from the Board of Education and currently provides 60 child care spaces at Princess Margaret Junior School and 45 spaces at John G. Althouse Middle School. Director: Beth Hawkins 416-394-6989 Teacher: Barb Pawluka

Daycare Programs Kiddy Village Daycare 416-621-9178 19 Glen Agar Drive Provides shuttle bus service to and from Princess Margaret Junior School. Kingsway Montessori Preschool 416-233-4840 65 Tromley Drive Located in the same building as Princess Margaret Junior School.

Middle School Princess Margaret Junior School is a feeder school to John G. Althouse Middle School, located at 130 Lloyd Manor Road. Principal: Corinne Promislow 416-394-7580

French Immersion French Immersion gives your child the opportunity to learn French through other subject areas and to enhance his/her skills in an intensive program. There are two starting points for this program – senior kindergarten and grade 4. The French Immersion program is offered at various schools in the Etobicoke area. The location closest to Princess Margaret is Rosethorn Junior School. You will receive an application form with further information early in the school year if your child is in junior kindergarten or grade 3. For more information, call 416-394-6806.

Student Agendas Students from grade one to five use agendas to record their homework and assignments. Agendas also serve as an excellent communication tool between school and home. The cost of the agenda is $8.00. This fee should be forwarded to your child’s teacher early in the school year.

The Princess Margaret Royal Press The Princess Margaret Royal Press is a monthly newsletter containing information regarding school-based activities and School Council meetings and events. It is distributed to the students via the Thursday mailing envelope.

Thursday Mailing Envelope Each Thursday, your child will bring home a coloured envelope labelled with his/her name, teacher’s name and classroom. If you have more than one child attending the school, the youngest child will be the carrier of the package. Information sent home in this mailing serves as an important communication tool between home and school. Please remember to have your child return the envelope in good condition the following day.

Bulletin Board There is a bulletin board and community table outside the school office where you can find information on various topics. Please request permission from the school office prior to posting any information.

Map of Princess Margaret Junior School and Surrounding Streets

Tromley Dr.

Martin Grove Rd.

Winsland Dr.

Princess of

Wales C

t.

Winte

rton Dr.

BASEMENT PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

C1

K2

C3

C5

K4

O7C9

C6 C8 C10

C11 C12

C13 C14

C15 C16

C17

C19 L

C20

G

SR

JR

O P

PA

RK

IN

GLO

T

KP

JP

KISS & RIDE ZONEBUS LOADING ZONEKISS & RIDE ZONE

KIS

S &

RID

E Z

ON

E

NO PARKING

XG

FRONT ENTRANCE

N(NOT TO SCALE)

NO PARKING

NO

PA

RK

IN

G

IN

LA

NE

WA

Y

GW

BW

GW

BW

GW BW

O

OK

IS

S &

RID

E Z

ON

E

KISS & RIDE ZONE

Key to Map BW Boys’ Washroom JR Janitors’ Room P Principal C Classroom K Kindergarten SR Staff Room G Gymnasium KP Kindergarten Playground XG Crossing Guard GW Girls’ Washroom L Library JP Junior Playground O Office

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